DSGN 158 Usability Studies & Research II

5 credits

Building upon the foundations established in DSGN 156, Usability Studies & Research II delves deeper into the advanced methodologies and analytical techniques crucial for optimizing user experience. This course is designed for students seeking to enhance their proficiency in usability research by exploring sophisticated research strategies and tools. Students will learn to design and conduct a variety of usability tests, including remote testing, A/B testing, and contextual inquiries. Through hands-on projects, participants will develop skills in recruiting participants, facilitating tests, and analyzing data to derive actionable insights. Emphasis will be placed on interpreting user feedback and translating findings into design recommendations. Throughout the course, students will engage with complex user behavior analysis, leveraging advanced qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover nuanced insights. Key topics include the design and implementation of longitudinal studies, the application of eye-tracking and biometric analysis, and the integration of advanced analytics with usability testing.

Prerequisites: DSGN 156

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Develop and implement sophisticated usability research plans, including longitudinal studies, to address complex user experience challenges and gather in-depth insights
Apply advanced research tools and technologies, such as eye-tracking, biometric analysis, and AI-driven analytics, to measure and analyze user interactions and behaviors effectively
Analyze and interpret complex qualitative and quantitative data from usability tests and other research methods to identify patterns, trends, and actionable insights
Create clear and persuasive research reports and presentations that effectively communicate research findings, recommendations, and implications to stakeholders, including design teams and decision-makers
Integrate emerging trends and technologies in usability research into practical design solutions, staying current with industry advancements and applying them to real-world scenarios
Use research insights to inform and drive design improvements, ensuring that user experience decisions are grounded in empirical evidence and aligned with user needs and behaviors

Total Hours: 70 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 30 Guided Practice (Lab or Clinical) Hours: 40